Olathe community, first responders navigate winter weather

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) - Snowy roads affect all drivers including first responders. The Olathe Fire Department has two snow plows in service themselves to clear the entrances and place salt on all of the Olathe Fire Department’s facilities.

This helps fire trucks get in and out safely throughout the day. Last snowstorm, the department said the roads were so bad their plows escorted an ambulance to the hospital to clear the roads while they were driving. Fire engineers receive training on how to drive in various road conditions.

“Whatever the weather, we’re gonna be there,” said Olathe Fire Department Captain Mike Hall.

Firefighters match their speed with the road conditions and use apparatus tire chains that provide traction control on the snow and ice. The fire department’s snow plow operators train alongside city snow plow operators.

“If someone has an emergency they need help and we’re coming and we obviously don’t wanna become part of the problem so we have to navigate those roads like anyone else,” Captain Hall, “That’s when we encourage folks look when the roads get a little iffy or if they get a little bad, if you don’t have to get out, stay in.”

On the other side of the city, families turned their Snow Day into some fun with snow activities.

Sledding on the hill outside of California Trail Middle School is an old tradition for one Olathe family. It’s a tradition that started when they first moved to Olathe in 1999 and a grandfather ed on the tradition to his grandson and granddaughter on Wednesday.

“Well, I get to be with them, for one. I get to get outside for two. It’s a good combination and it’s like you said, special memories of places and times,” said Hall.

Firefighters are able to request one of the plows at any scene where it is needed. Plow drivers also listen to emergency radios, according to the department, and can show up at scenes in Olathe before they are requested.

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